When we are told not to love the world what exactly does this mean? Fortunately scripture gives us the answer (1 John 2:15-17) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
As christians our life reflects that we live for Christ. When Jesus was tempted by satan He was shown in a moment all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them, but He did not fall prey to satans tactics just as we too are not to be tempted to live for all this life presents as true riches worth having (Matthew 4:8-10) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Those of the world seek after all this life has to offer, but it is by faith do we know God our Father will provide for us that which is most important for our life! We receive what we need from the hand of God when we seek first His kingdom (Luke 12:27-34) Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
This present world is a temporary place we are passing through, and when we only focus on the here and now we may very well miss eternity with God when our life is over (Matthew 16:24-28) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
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Good post… I wonder if believers really consider how the disciples lived in contrast to “their world” around them at the time and how assimilated we are in “our world” around us today.
Very good point, as the church does not resemble what it was like as we read in the book of Acts. The world is looking more and more like the days of Noah so we are right on schedule for the Lords return. God Bless You Always.
Julia
This world is getting darker by the day. Good post Julia.
You said this perfectly. We look for the Blessed hope of our Saviours return. God Bless You Always Cathy.
Julia
Love to the world is enmity to Christ
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